15th Annual Fabulous Independent Film Fest

Celebrating 15 years of powerful queer storytelling, the Fabulous Independent Film Festival is Sarasota’s only LGBTQ+ film festival—and a vital cultural platform for visibility, inclusion, and connection.

Founded and presented by the Fabulous Arts Foundation, in partnership with other local organizations, the festival has become a beloved annual event that uplifts independent filmmakers from around the globe whose work reflects the rich diversity of LGBTQIA+ lives and experiences.

Each year, the festival brings together community members, allies, and cinephiles for a curated lineup of feature films, documentaries, and shorts that challenge, inspire, and entertain. Through post-screening talkbacks, panels, and special events, the festival fosters meaningful dialogue around identity, equity, representation, and justice.

🎬 DAY 1 (Friday, October 3, 2025)

7:30 PM
Velvet Vision: The Story of James Bidgood – A dazzling portrait of an artist who blurred fantasy and reality in unforgettable ways.

9:00 PM
Opening Night After Party @ 99 Bottles – Celebrate the festival's launch with music and mingling. Festival-goers receive BOGO coupons.

🎬 DAY 2 (Saturday, October 4, 2025)

2:30 PM
Row of Life – A documentary about Angela Madsen’s solo Pacific Ocean row.
Pura Sangre – A short film delving into love and identity in New York City.

4:30 PM
Heightened Scrutiny – a documentary featuring the first out transgender lawyer to argue before the Supreme Court
Toni - a short film

6:30 PM
Old Lesbians X Young Lesbians – A documentary film, "Old Lesbians", about a retired schoolteacher's mission to record queer stories from the 20th century. Following the film, a panel discussion will explore and discuss bridging the generational gaps within the LGBTQ+ community.

8:30 PM
After Party OLD LESBIANS X YOUNG LESBIANS - with a special performance by Gaye Adegbalola, DJ set, photo booth, tabling from local orgs, and more...

🎬 DAY 3 (Sunday, October 5, 2025)

2:30 PM
Just Kids – A documentary film highlighting three teens as they navigate life in states where access to gender-affirming care is restricted.
Becoming - a short film displaying the beauty, diversity, and abundance of queer art in St. Pete, Florida.

4:30 PM
Sugar Beach – A film, from award-winning filmmaker Noely Mendoza, exploring themes of grief and identity in late adolescence.
Alyssum - A hauntingly beautiful animated short film following the main character as they fight self-doubt and perfectionism in the name of creativity and love.

7:00 PM
Dirty Martini and the New Burlesque – A documentary celebrating the modern revival and timeless art of burlesque.
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